Hiram Vargas-Vélez
Mayagüez
Summary
Results-driven Yield Cost Engineer Technician with extensive expertise in cost variance analysis and earned value management. Proven ability to streamline processes and contribute to over 800 military solicitations.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Yield Cost Engineer Technician
Propper International, Inc.
Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
11.2016 - 02.2026
- Calculate yields for fabrics, synthetic materials, trims, spreading and cutting sam's.
- Interpreting drawings, military specifications, usage requirements and solicitation documents on bids.
- Development of all documentation required for military solicitation, operation list, equipment and machinery, SAM's, buildup schedules, direct labor excess cost and equipment cost.
- Provide the Accounting Sheets with all the information and documentation required by the Bid and Proposal Department to complete the Government Solicitations.
- Implementation of new processes to improve costs in new contracts, improvements to packaging processes, sewing patterns, use of equipment and machinery, implementation of new methods and automation.
- Read and interpret the different specifications, drawings and documents of the products to be costed in both the military and commercial areas.
- Verify the tests required to estimate their costs, as well as any equipment that must be used to perform these tests internally during the production process.
- Calculate the use of materials, sewing minutes, cost overruns, delivery schedule, equipment and machinery to be used.
- Review all fabric markers prepared for the auction. Calculate fabric usage in collaboration with the Markers & Patterns department. Prepare the complete fabric usage analysis.
- Determine the direct labor cost of spreading and cutting as well as the excess cost of laying and cutting fabrics.
- Prepare the direct labor operations bulletins, assign sewing minutes (SAM/SAH), units to be produced per operation, type of machinery, type of seam to be used and the type of threads in the operations.
- Calculate the usage of all materials and components to be included in the product cost.
- Mark the leather and estimate the leather usage in the gloves.
- Obtain estimates for the purchase of leather cutting equipment (dies).
- Assist the Bids & Proposals Department in the samples area in preparing the PDMs to be sent as samples in the Bid.
- Conduct research on new equipment on the market to automate operations and reduce product costs.
Material Utilization Engineer Technician
Propper International, Inc.
Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
02.2012 - 10.2016
- Drafting, development and implementation of a Corporate Material Utilization Plan.
- Review all contracts materials and validate all uses and yields
- Keep in record of all material changes and utilization on each contract.
- Update changes to material utilization in the M3 (Movex) System to keep all bill of materials (BOM) updated on each contracts.
- Review all fabrics usages in the Cutting Room and make any necessary adjustments.
- Keep an electronic Log record of all fabrics and trims adjustments and the savings in relation to the original yield costed.
- Work with the Product Development Department on the development of new products and improvements to existing products material utilization.
- Verify all materials before finalizing production orders to keep the Contract Manager informed about any adjustments to the final purchase orders.
- Provide Contract Administrators with the yields for the special measures received in the different contracts.
- Identify potential areas for cost reduction and work towards achieving these reductions across the various manufacturing plants.
- Work on the revision and updating of Cost Sheets as required by the Bids & Proposals Department.
Safety Coordinator
Propper International, Inc,
Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
11.2008 - 01.2012
- Developed and implemented safety training programs for employees, enhancing workplace compliance.
- Conducted regular safety audits and inspections, identifying hazards and ensuring corrective actions.
- Collaborated with management to establish safety protocols aligned with industry standards.
- Analyzed incident reports to identify trends and recommend preventive measures.
- Attend visits from OSHA, insurance, FSE, QAR, Fire Department
- Drafting of Safety Plans, Risk Communication Manual, MSDS, Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Liquids, Coordination of Drills, Evacuation Diagrams, Hearing Conservation Program, Respiratory Conservation Programs.
- Implementation of the Drug-Free Workplace Program, coordination of testing, coordination of rehabilitation assistance, custody and filing of documents related to the program.
Engineering Technician
Propper International, Inc.
Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
03.1990 - 10.2008
- Time and Motion Study
- Capacity Study
- Work Method
- Facilities Design
- Incentive Programs
- Direct Labor Cost Analysis
- Material Utilization
- Follow up Efficiency and Quality
- Automation
- Method Improvements
- Cost Reductions
- Layouts Implementation
- Manual Fabrics Spreading Method
- Automatic Spreading Method
- Waste Factor on Fabrics
- Fabrics Yield Analysis on Spreading
- Gerber Machines
Education
Management Marketing
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico
Mayagüez, Puerto Rico05-2008
Skills
- Cost variance analysis
- Cost reconciliation
- Earned value management
- Bid evaluation
- Cost reporting
- Cost control
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Participation in over 800 solicitations
- Knowledge of products such as, sleeping bags, trousers, blouses, parkas, gloves, shelters, footwear, shirts, Overalls, Aprons, Body Armors, Bed Nets, MOLLE Pack, USMC Pack, Bags and Dress Trousers
Timeline
Yield Cost Engineer Technician
Propper International, Inc.
11.2016 - 02.2026
Material Utilization Engineer Technician
Propper International, Inc.
02.2012 - 10.2016
Safety Coordinator
Propper International, Inc,
11.2008 - 01.2012
Engineering Technician
Propper International, Inc.
03.1990 - 10.2008
Management Marketing
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico